Dental measuring instrument

Abstract

A device is disclosed for taking critical measurements of a dental patient's anatomical features to aid in building prosthetic teeth in a minimal number of patient visits. The device to a multi-functional tool for dental professionals to acquire valuable anatomical data.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An instrument for taking measurements to provide for patient anatomy data, the instrument comprising:
 a first side and a second side; 
 a first end and a second end, the first end comprising:
 an indentation at a coronal portion of the first end, the indentation positioned between a first face of the instrument and a second face of the instrument; 
 a first wing and a second wing at the coronal portion of the first end, the first wing and second wing forming a span between the first side and second side, the indentation being positioned at a first face between the first wing and the second wing; and 
 a platform positioned between the indentation and a neck of the instrument, the platform extending outwardly from the first face of the instrument; 
 
 the instrument further comprising a recess disposed along the first side of the instrument between the platform and the second end, the recess having a center element and ruler markings that extend from the center element towards the first end and from the center element toward the second end; and 
 the instrument further comprising a non-linear aspect positioned between the platform and the second end, the recess being positioned between the non-linear element and the second end. 
 
     
     
       2. The instrument of  claim 1  further comprising a body portion towards the second end and a neck portion between the first end and the body portion, the non-linear aspect extending between the neck portion and the body portion. 
     
     
       3. The instrument of  claim 2 , the non-linear aspect disposing the first end of the instrument to a different altitude than the second end of the instrument, whereby the first end remains parallel to the second end. 
     
     
       4. The instrument of  claim 1 , whereby the indentation has a curved portion at the first face or the second face and extends between the first face and the second face. 
     
     
       5. The instrument of  claim 4 , the platform having an open end opposite that of the first face, the open end having a curved aspect. 
     
     
       6. The instrument of  claim 5 , whereby the open end further comprises a circumferential boundary. 
     
     
       7. The instrument of  claim 1 , whereby the span curves away from the first face of the instrument, and whereby the first wing at the first side and the second wing at the second side are biased away from the first face of the instrument. 
     
     
       8. The instrument of  claim 1 , whereby the span further comprises a perimeter at the first end, and whereby the perimeter tapers toward the platform. 
     
     
       9. The instrument of  claim 1 , whereby the recess resembles a half-hexagon having rounded corners. 
     
     
       10. The instrument of  claim 1 , whereby the recess has graduated markings that extend towards the first side and towards the second side. 
     
     
       11. The instrument of  claim 1  further comprising a contrasting color along portions of the first side or the second side of the instrument.